About Massachusetts Cranberries
Founded in 1888 as the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association
Dedicated to the success of our members and the Massachusetts cranberry industry.
Enhance the Massachusetts cranberry industry through
the viability and sustainability of our membership.
Established in 1888 to standardize the measure with which cranberries are sold, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA) is one of the country’s oldest farmers’ organizations. Today, CCCGA (aka Massachusetts Cranberries) represents approximately 330 growers farming 13,000+ acres of cranberry bogs throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The unity CCCGA provides has given growers both a single voice and collective strength in promoting the cranberry industry.
CCCGA has a professional staff that aids growers in solving everyday problems, offering assistance with regulatory compliance, sponsoring professional development seminars and organizing other grower-focused activities. CCCGA has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in cranberry research to help improve the efficiency and environmental compatibility of cranberry farms. Through continued support, CCCGA is working to ensure that cranberry farming can survive urbanization and that open space and clean water, vital to cranberry growing, will be preserved.
CCCGA also operates a frost warning system. Frost protection is a vital part of cranberry farming. In the event of frost danger, cranberry grower members are notified that a frost may be occurring and to take appropriate management action to protect the buds (spring) or berries (fall).
CCCGA has the following active committees that focus on different topics of importance to the Massachusetts cranberry industry: Environmental & Government Affairs, Frost Advisory, Marketing & Promotion Outreach, Research, and Technology. If you are interested in joining a CCCGA committee, please cccga@cranberries.org.
Membership
Grower Membership in CCCGA is voluntary and is based on an assessment of a farmer's crop. Businesses and organizations may join as Sustaining Members, and those individuals who support the ideals of the Association, but who are not active growers or in a related business, may join CCCGA as Associate Members.
Cranberry Impact
Massachusetts is home to 300+ cranberry farmers, 14,000+ acres of cranberry bogs, and 65,000+ acres of associated open space. Learn what's happening on cranberry farms this time of year.
Cranberry blossom season starts in mid-month and growers hope for sunny days. Migratory and native bees pollinate the flowers and tiny fruit pin heads begin to form. With the warm weather, frost events lessen.
The berries start to size. Nutrients are applied to support the growing fruit. Growers irrigate as necessary and monitor for fruit worm and fruit rot.